Why should art students learn to draw from life? My students; photography majors, graphic design majors and even illustration and studio majors do not readily understand why learning to draw accurately from life has significance for them. The answer to that question is complex, and I want to explore it more fully, but first, perhaps we should be asking a more important question. What does “learning to draw” really mean.

Most contemporary course descriptions define drawing as the development of technique through experimentation with the materials used in making art. Yes, in part I believe it is useful to study tools, materials, and techniques, but I also believe this approach is very shallow. It is too specific and disconnected from both our real-life visual experience and, as a result, the language of art. Let me explain why. Continue reading.